Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. Constipation is the chief cause of many diseases because such a condition produces toxins which find their way into the blood stream and are carried to all parts of the body.
This results in weakening of the vital organs and lowering of the resistance of the entire system. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract and cancer are only a few of the disease in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.
The number of motions required for normal health varies from person to person. Most people have one motion a day, some have two a day, while others have one every other day. However, for comfort and health, at least one clear bowel movement a day is essential and considered normal.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty of elimination due to hard faecal matter. Among the other symptoms are coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn and insomnia.
Causes
The most important causes for chronic constipation are an unsuitable diet and a faulty style of living. All foods in their natural state contain a good percentage of ‘roughage’ which is most essential in preserving natural balance of foods and also in helping peristalsis – the natural rhythmic action by means of which the food is passed down the alimentary canal.
Much of the food we eat today is deficient in natural bulk or roughage and this results in chronic constipation.
Intake of refined and rich food lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and a wrong combination of food, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function.
Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity and emotional stress and strain.
Diseases such as tumours or growths, sluggish liver, colitis, spastic condition of the intestines, hyperactivity, diseaes of the rectum and colon, bad teeth, uterine disease, diabetes, use of certain drugs for treating other ailments, abnormal condition of the lower spine and enlargement of the prostate gland can also cause chronic constipation.
Elderly patients may suffer from constipation due to relaxed muscle tone, inadequate dietary intake for nutritional needs and diminished activity.